October 31, 2009
So, it’s Halloween – a holiday who Hallmark has turned into a candy carnival – and unfortunately it’s a bit brisk and rainy. But don’t sweat the sweet stuff. Stay toasty in these tasty threads from Rock Steady.
[$48 candie cardigan at shop.steadyclothing.com]
October 19, 2009
Yesterday, I reached the quarter of a century mark in my life, so I thought why not celebrate French Quarter style with a risque burlesque extravaganza – except this one was a little less overblown, a whole lot more modern, and located in the East Village.
I didn’t have overly high expectations for the little dive in Alphabet City, but I was immediately taken by Bar on A with their orange and black decor, complete with synthetic snakeskin detailing around lights, poles, and other subtle spots. It was casual with no cover – and the show only had a $5 buck bill.
I had already decidedly given the Kitty Nights gang of girlies kudos for the super catchy catty show name. There were the usual scenes – a mix of sultry and silly, which I quite enjoyed. Plus, this particular night also included a special act by the fierce little lady who ran the show – Ms. Fem Appeal. While I’m not sure exactly how I felt about the Little Red Riding Hood reenactment, I can safely say the fur costume that was flung around were totally faux. And what a fabulous time it was overall. The motley musical selection combined with a little bit of glamor, sauciness, and striptease was just the right amount of entertainment and excitement I was looking for to take on the big two-five.
Here, kitty kitty…
October 10, 2009
It was time.
Actually, for the third time that season, it was time. The dreaded closet clean-out – an activity that every shopping addict hates. In a squalid attempt to inspire myself, I turned to the experts: Finola Hughes, Tim Gunn, Stacey London, Clinton Kelly, and any other wardrobe editing expert I could think of. But have you ever actually read any of their essentials lists? Smart, sure. Practical – how about impossible. Who really has a total of 10 pieces in their wardrobe? Certainly not me. And if you’re reading this, my guess is probably not you either. Plus, sometimes it can be extremely difficult to give some items the boot. There’s that history together, the emotional attachment, the dependency, and those intimately shared moments of retail therapy. So how exactly does one do it when working with such volume? Well, I can’t exactly explain how I got through it all. But I can tell you what I ended up with. Being both a virtually unstoppable overstock-er and OCD organizer times ten, I decided my leftover items not only needed to be cherished, but also charted.
Or at least that was the original plan. My so-called attempt at a “retail run-down” list failed miserably as I still seriously had too many items to count. Sickening, but even so, severely less than I started out with. And although I don’t like to play faves(yes I do), I’m clearly a heavy hitter when it comes to scarves and cardigans. They’re so essential and multi-seasonal! But if you’re more of a well-rounded gal, it’s probably worth it to leaf through The Lucky Shopping Manual for some solid advice.
The upside of this whole experience, aside from some extra closet space, is that it left me a little more uncertain about my next sure-to-be-unnecessary splurge. I’ve learned it’s ok to swear off swiping some platinum level plastic for a bit and forget this weekend’s purely impulse fashion fix because I got everything I need right here.
*Warning: Do not attempt this stunt at home, unless properly supervised and armed with aftercare items such as extra creamy cake batter ice cream, mellow-out music, and a credit card shredder.
September 22, 2009
Hopelessly lost dragging around an ocean of over-stuffed arm candy? Seeking “multi-tote syndrome” salvation? The answer’s easy ’cause Rock N Moms does all the dirty work for you. Chic looking diaper bags are the latest domestic accessories re-purposed as career carry-alls. So now, you can pack it like a pro, and cut down on the fluster your morning commute causes. They’re a far cry from the mostly mundane, usually leather briefcases that leave little room for more than a laptop. I’m a fan in particular of their Jett’s Red Skull Tote. The 12×15x4 plastic-coated fabric bag boasts over 12 compartments and an awesome amount of extras. The pacifier pouch is the perfect place to store a pillbox or compact. And it even has an insulated [water] bottle holder, which saves my steno pads from sogginess and condensation. I’ve managed to make use of every single facet except the changing mat and stroller straps. The stoplight red exterior gives it that power color punch, while the subtle skull design remains edgy without being in your face. It’s not only my portable personal assistant but my purse as well, making it my solo shoulder mate for the day. *Disclaimer: Take charge ‘tude not included.
[$75 at rocknmoms.com]
Rock N Mom
September 13, 2009
You bet I just ripped off the title of one of NYC TV’s hippest shows. But they can keep their clever concept, because I’m talking dress codes – not zips. Along with a few beauty bonus perks, my swanky new gig also came with a prescribed apparel policy: put-together, professional, and predominantly black. While the hue played right in to my usual palette, I was sort of lacking in the adult-age attire. But with a little help from my go-to online gallerias, I was able to assemble a working wardrobe that actually worked for me.
And when I’m feeling extra fierce, I like to jazz up my basics easy-bake style with man-made synthetics from Hollywood Mirror. Every modern maven needs a punchy power tie and trendy belt to secure her smart status.
Now you got it, girl. And I think I’ve got it down too. Just one quick tip for sure success: Don’t take any lip – unless it’s from New York Color (or maybe a critical client – P.S. they all are) – ’cause they know what they’re yappin’ about. N.Y.C.’s Retro Red lipstick sends me off with enough moisture and shine to make it through my dizzying day. And although they put in a lot of lab time in order to pop out these top-notch tubes, they never test their products on animals.
[$41 Liquorbrand cardigan at greasegasandglory.com, $15 cap-sleeved shirt at oldnavy.com, $39.50 low-rise trouser at delias.com, red leopard tie and silver skull belt at hollywoodmirror.com, $0.99 ultra-moist lipwear at newyorkcolor.com]
September 4, 2009
While, I’m disgusted by the idea of crocodile farming, I’m all in favor of this Lux de Ville “Rebel” faux croc bag. With the kiss lock closure and a serious amount of metal, it manages to maintain all the bite of a real bag without harming any of the fierce freshwater reptiles it resembles. This white hot accessory instantly ups you to risk-taker status. So, go shead and premiere it post Labor Day – I dare ya.
[$80 at luxedeville.com]
August 30, 2009
It’s almost time to say “Bon Voyage!” to your summer sundresses. But before you board ship, why not have one final fashion fling with these stripy shifts guaranteed to snag you a cute sailor. The Anchor Lush dress boasts a jailhouse vibe with a subtle “Anchors Away!” detail. But don’t be fooled, the Sweet Life Ruffle dress is certainly a more scandalous sight, with it’s piratey appearance. Just when you thought you were at the rope’s end of your wardrobe, Rock Steady style saves the day. But where to showcase these show-stopppers? Well, I must insist on a much more animal-friendly activity than fishing. So, have a rum cocktail or ten. Even if you end up three stripes to the wind by nightfall, these durable poly-rayon duos are set to surive everything between the devil and the deep blue sea, a kickin’ coco daquari, and then some.
[$49 anchor lush dress at steady.bigcartel.com]
[$48 sweet life ruffle dress at steady.bigcartel.com]
It’s true, I have been hibernating… at least from the internet lately. But now it’s time to get back in the swing of things, blog style. And although it still feels like winter weather outside, it’s more than time to shed your shearling shoes for something equally as cute and cozy. Lucky Cat Shearling Boots by Bamboo provide all the comfort and none of the cruelty with their faux shearling interior and psuedo suede exterior. By traditional Chinese standards, oh ten is technically the Year of the Tiger, but mini Maneki Neko makes such a fetching little felidae that he deserves to steal some spotlight.
